The Portuguese Government has enacted a law in a bid to reduce tax evasion and money laundering. As a consequence, all non-resident individuals or companies that own a property in Portugal must appoint a Fiscal Representative who is resident in Portugal and who will be responsible for submitting tax declarations and making any tax payments relating to the ownership of the property. Please contact us if you would like us to recommend a local professional company that can be appointed as your Fiscal Representative.
Before you can purchase property in Portugal you will have to obtain a Fiscal Number and you should be aware that the vendor of the property you intend to buy may request this number from you very soon after you have agreed to the purchase. The easiest way to obtain the Fiscal Number is through your Fiscal Representative who will be familiar with the process and the language. Alternatively you can apply for the Fiscal Number through your lawyer. You will be issued with a Tax Identification card and the number will be your personal identification used for payment of anything associated with the property, opening a bank account etc.